W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden | One of the world's premier collections of heirloom peonies.

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Peony Garden

Nichols Arboretum is open sunrise to sunset daily.

Season 2022

Late May – Early June
Visitor center open daily 10am-4:30pm

What's in
Bloom

Passion for Peonies

Passion for Peonies

Our collection of essays celebrates the story of the Garden and peony gardening.

The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum is one of the world’s premiere collections. The garden holds nearly 800 peonies and over 10,000 flowers at peak bloom.

What’s Happening at the Garden

See Full Calendar

100 Years in Bloom

Saturday June 4
100 Years in Bloom Centennial Celebration

Shakespeare in the Arb

Shakespeare in the Arb 2022
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

June 1
“100 Years in Bloom” Peony Sale

Off-site Event
June 4
100 Years in Bloom Garden Walk

June 4-June 5
“100 Years in Bloom” Cut Flower Show presented by the American Peony Society

Peonies

Off-site Event
June 4-June 5
American Peony Society Convention

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@matthaeinichols / Tag Your Photos #umpeonygarden

In 1922, Dr. W. E. Upjohn gave a gift of peonies t

In 1922, Dr. W. E. Upjohn gave a gift of peonies to the University of Michigan that would become what is now the University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden. Upjohn's significant gift has come full circle, as his family has come together on the 100th anniversary of his gift with a donation of $2 million dollars to support the future of the peony garden. In recognition of collective gifts from members of the Upjohn family, the garden will be renamed W. E. Upjohn Peony Garden.

Read more about this gift at link in our bio.

#matthaeinichols #thearb #umich #aapeony

While the majority of our herbaceous peonies are n

While the majority of our herbaceous peonies are not yet blooming, our tree peonies are putting on quite a show! Curious about the different peony forms? Learn more at our peony page (link in bio)

#mbgna #thearb #matthaeinichols #annarbor #michigangarden #puremichigan #visitannarbor #AAPeony #universityofmichigan #peony #peonygarden
photo credit: Meredith Olson

Our public art exhibit "Time in the Garden" opens

Our public art exhibit "Time in the Garden" opens this weekend and features 45 pieces of artwork from of 34 local artists. Visitors can view the exhibit in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Visitor Center. Admission is free with an hourly parking rate. Exhibit dates are Saturday May 21-Sunday, June 26th.

Hours and directions are available at link in bio.

#matthaeinichols #mbgna #michiganart #annarbor #puremichigan #annarborart #washtenawcounty #michigangardening #michiganartist

Curator David Michener has been with MBGNA since 1

Curator David Michener has been with MBGNA since 1990. His work with the peony garden has taken the shape of engagement, curation, stewardship and research over the last two decades.

Michener’s favorite peony? It changes by the hour, said Michener in the recent interview.

Attached are a few of his all time favorites! Minnie Shaylor, Silvia Saunders, and Faith Fenton. Read the full story of David’s work with the peony garden on our website, link in bio.

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